Actually I don't think its so unlikely.

I was just reading in money magazine about how most US mortgage rates are no pegged against the Libor. Yes, the Libor, which is the LONDON bank's determination. Not US treasuries, like it used to be. What we have is a world economy, with individual states having problems.

little steps. thats what it takes.

What people really want is stability, and thoughout history they routinely give up freedom for stability and security. Look at the tread about marial law in arkansas recently.

Yup. All we need is for a vocal minority of people to feel that "for stability and security, we need to band together with another country" and poof, there it is.